This June, I had the honor of representing the CHW Section at APHA’s Midyear Meeting titled Implementing Health Reform: A Public Health Approach. I heard many smart speakers talk about the opportunities and challenges of national health reform, called the Affordable Care Act, and some even mentioned CHWs! The ACA lays the ground work for the United States to prioritize a wellness and prevention approach to health, and there are opportunities for CHWs to influence its development.

In my report to the CHW Section, I’ve highlighted ways CHWs can build support for the ACA, begin implementing pieces of the ACA on the local level, and share our expertise with people making important decisions about public health and health care.

Click here to read the report.  (http://www.apha.org/NR/rdonlyres/6CDCF3F5-FD00-4DAF-A7DB-0F659ABBB906/0/FinalReportofAPHAMidyearEventCHWSection.pdf )

For more information about the midyear meeting, visit: http://www.apha.org/Midyear/Schedule/